Jaw Fractures in Cats

Traumatic injuries in cats are commonly the sequela of being attacked by another animal or hit by car. Cats that survive a fall from very high will often have injuries to the head and face due to so-called “high-rise syndrome”.

Most cats, even with severe fractures to the head and face, have a good long-term prognosis for healing. While very obvious and painful, jaw fractures are usually not life threatening injuries, and any pet having major trauma, such as being hit by a car, needs to be evaluated by a skilled emergency veterinarian immediately. After all life-threatening injuries have been addressed and investigated is the time to involve the dentist/oral surgeon.

Jaw fractures are typically very complicated injuries involving bone, teeth and soft tissue, and a veterinary dentist with training in oral surgery is the specialist with the most training in dealing with with injuries to all of these structures.

There are a variety of fracture repair treatments available, but the optimal treatment will address all injuries to bone, teeth and soft tissue. Treatment is incomplete if it fails to address dental issues related to the trauma.

Doctor Pegg is very experienced in treating pets with jaw fracture injuries and utilizes the most advanced imaging and repair methods currently available. In addition, with our flat-fee model for fracture repair, it helps relieve the burden of financial uncertainty as multiple procedures are often needed to resolve all injuries and our goal is to be your partner in getting your pet back to health, comfort and function.

Most pets sustaining jaw fracture have an excellent long-term outcome when treated appropriately.